The government has confirmed it will not instruct schools to open later on Monday, July 6, following England's crucial World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time. The Department for Education also stated it will not urge schools to be more lenient on unplanned absences for pupils who stay up to watch the game.
Government's Stance on School Start Times
When asked whether schools could open later, the Department directed the Express to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's recent radio interview. Phillipson said: "My view remains unchanged. Families will want to watch the game, it’s incredibly important, I understand that. But it’s not the end of the world if kids are a bit tired the next day in school, it’s more important that they’re there."
Call for Flexibility Rejected
The National Education Union (NEU) had called for a relaxed start time. NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede told LBC: "It would be very good, I think, if the secretary of state recognised that it’s an important event in our calendar and allowed a flexible start on that Monday morning." However, the government has not granted this request.
Tuchel and Starmer's Views
England manager Thomas Tuchel has encouraged parents to let children stay up late to watch the match. Downing Street responded that "parents will make their own decision on that." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokeswoman added: "We want everyone to enjoy the game but kids should be in school on Monday." She noted that the PM faces the same dilemma as other fans: "The PM has his usual packed schedule on Monday, so he’ll be facing the same dilemma as everyone else on whether to stay up. Win or lose, I think millions of England supporters will be at work on Monday, and the PM will be doing the same."
